Genetic Diversity Analysis of Cotoneaster coriaceus Based on Phenotypic Traits and ISSR Marker

PurposeIn order to reveal the level of genetic diversity of wild populations of Cotoneaster coriaceus from phenotypic traits and molecular marker.

MethodThe 31 phenotypic traits and 30 ISSR primers were used to investigate the genetic diversity of wild populations of C. coriaceus in Yunnan. The diversity indice were calculated by PopGen 32 software and the phylogenetic trees were constructed by SPSS 16.0 software.

ResultsThere was a little difference in phenotypic traits among various populations. In total 282 bands were detected by 30 ISSR primers, 231 of them were polymorphic and the percentage of polymorphic bands was 81.91%. The Nei’s gene diversity index was 0.414 1 while the Shannon diversity index was 0.597 9. The 2 phylogenetic trees based on phenotypic traits and ISSR markers by UPGMA were similar. Most of populations in the same distribution areas were classified into the same groups, while a few populations did not combine with other populations in the same distribution areas. This phenomenon indicated that the geographical isolation promoted genetic differentiation and there were convergent evolution due to the similar micro-habitat.

ConclusionThere was abundant genetic diversity in C. coriaceus in Yunnan. These research data provide a scientific basis for exploitation of C. coriaceus resources.